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STAGE IV (FIRST 4 HOURS FOLLOWING DELIVERY OF

THE PLACENTA)
CLIENT ASSESSMENT DATA BASE
Activity/Rest
May appear “energized” or fatigued/exhausted, sleepy

Circulation
Pulse usually slow (50–70 beats per minute [bpm], owing to vagal hypersensitivity).
Blood pressure (BP) variable; may be lower in response to analgesia/anesthesia, or elevated in response to oxytocin
administration or pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).
Edema, if present, may be dependent (e.g., confined to lower extremities); or may include upper extremities and facies,
or may be generalized (signs of PIH).
Blood loss during labor and delivery up to 400–500 ml for vaginal delivery or 600–800 ml for cesarean birth.

Ego Integrity
Emotional reactions regarding birth experience varied and changeable, e.g., excitation, disinterest (exhausted), or
disappointment
May express concern or apologize for intrapartal behavior or loss of control; may express fears regarding condition of
newborn and immediate neonatal care

Elimination
Hemorrhoids often present and protruding.
Bladder may be palpable over symphysis pubis, or urinary catheter may be in place.
Diuresis may occur if pressure of presenting part obstructs urinary flow, and/or intravenous (IV) fluids are administered
during labor and delivery.

Flood/Fluid
May report thirst, hunger, or nausea

Neurosensory
Sensation and movement of lower extremities decreased in presence of spinal anesthesia or caudal/epidural analgesia.
Hyperreflexia may be present (suggests developing or persistent hypertension, especially in diabetic, adolescent, or
primiparous client).

Pain/Discomfort
May report discomfort from various sources; e.g., afterpains, tissue trauma/episiotomy repair, bladder fullness, or
feeling cold/muscle tremors with “chills”

Safety
Slight temperature elevation initially (exertion, dehydration).
Episiotomy/laceration repair intact, with tissue edges closely approximated.
Perineum free of redness, edema, ecchymosis, or discharge.
Striae may be present on abdomen, thighs, and breasts.

Sexuality
Fundus firmly contracted, midline, and located at the level of the umbilicus
Moderate amount of vaginal drainage or lochia, dark red, with only a few small clots at most (up to small plum size)
Breasts soft, with nipples erect

Social Interaction
Varied response to infant based on individual expectations, energy level, response of others, and condition of infant

Teaching/Learning
Various medications may have been administered during intrapartal period (note time and amount).
Questions or concerns voiced regarding self/infant care.

DIAGNOSTIC STUDIES
Hemoglobin/Hematocrit (Hb/Hct), Complete Blood Count (CBC), Urinalysis (UA), Other Studies: May be done
as indicated by physical findings.

NURSING PRIORITIES
1. Promote family unity and bonding.
2. Prevent or control bleeding.
3. Enhance comfort.

DISCHARGE CRITERIA (FROM RECOVERY SETTING)


1. Physiologically stable
2. Ambulating/appropriate movement of lower extremities

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: FAMILY PROCESSES, altered (bonding process)


May Be Related To: Developmental transition/gain of a family member
Possibly Evidenced By: Hesitance to hold/interact with infant, verbalization of concerns
DESIRED OUTCOMES/EVALUATION Hold infant, as maternal and neonatal conditions
CRITERIA—CLIENT/COUPLE WILL: permit.
Demonstrate culturally appropriate attachment and bonding
behaviors.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE

Independent
Encourage client to hold, touch, and examine The first hours after delivery offer a unique
the infant, preferably touching skin to skin. opportunity for family bonding to occur, because
both mother and infant are emotionally receptive to
cues from each other, which initiates the attachment
and acquaintance. Close physical contact soon after
birth facilitates the bonding process and capitalizes
on infant’s receptivity during the first period of
reactivity, which coincides with a maternal period of
heightened awareness (“ecstasy”) in the 1st hour
postpartum. Note: Even if the client has chosen to
relinquish her child, interacting with the newborn
may facilitate the grieving process.
Encourage father to touch and hold infant and Helps facilitate bonding/attachment between
assist with infant care, as allowed by the situation. father and infant. Fathers who actively participate in
the birth process and early infant interactional
activities commonly report feeling a special bond
with the infant.
Observe and record family-infant interactions, Eye-to-eye contact, use of en face position, talking
noting behaviors thought to indicate bonding in a high-pitched voice, and holding infant closely
and attachment within specific culture. are associated with attachment in American culture.
On first contact with the infant, a mother manifests a
progressive pattern of behaviors whereby she
initially uses fingertips to explore the infant’s
extremities and progresses to use of the palm before
enfolding the infant with whole hand and arms.
Note verbalizations/behaviors suggesting The arrival of a new family member, even when
disappointment or lack of interest/attachment. wanted and anticipated, creates a transient period of
disequilibrium, requiring incorporation of the new
child into the existing family.
Welcome family and siblings during recovery Promotes family unit, and helps siblings to begin
period, if desired by client and if allowed by process of positive adaptation to new roles and
maternal/neonatal condition and setting. incorporation of new member into family structure.
Ensure family privacy between examinations Client, father, siblings, and infant need time to
during initial interaction with the newborn, as become acquainted with one another.
conditions of mother and infant permit.
Encourage and assist with breastfeeding, Early contact has a positive effect on duration of
dependent on client’s choice and cultural breastfeedings; skin-to-skin contact and initiation
beliefs/practices. of maternal tasks promotes bonding. Some cultures
(e.g., Hispanic, Navajo, Filipino, Vietnamese) may
refrain from breastfeeding until the milk flow is
established.
Answer client’s questions regarding protocol Information relieves anxiety that may interfere
of care during postdelivery period. with bonding or result in self-absorption rather than
in attention to newborn.

Collaborative
Notify appropriate healthcare team members Inadequate bonding behaviors or poor interaction
(e.g., nursery staff or postpartal nurse) of between client/couple and infant necessitates
observations, as indicated. support and further evaluation. (Refer to CP: The
Client at 4 Hours to 3 Days Postpartum; NDs:
Parenting, risk for altered; Family Coping: potential
for growth.)
NURSING DIAGNOSIS: FLUID VOLUME, risk for deficit
Risk Factors May Include: Myometrial fatigue/failure of homeostatic mechanisms (e.g.,
continued uteroplacental circulation, incomplete vasoconstriction,
inadequate fluid shifts, effects of PIH)
Possibly Evidenced By: [Not applicable; presence of signs/symptoms establishes an actual
diagnosis]
DESIRED OUTCOMES EVALUATION Display stable vital signs within normal limits.
CRITERIA—CLIENT WILL: Demonstrate uterus firmly contracted at the umbilicus, lochial flow
moderate and free of clots.
Display episiotomy repair or cesarean incision approximated and
surgical dressing dry and intact.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE

Independent
Place client in recumbent position. Optimizes cerebral blood flow, and facilitates monitoring of fundus
and vaginal flow.
Assess contributing intrapartal events, In many cases, oxytocin-stimulated labor requires
especially induced/augmented labor increased amounts of oxytocin in the postpartal
or prolonged labor. period to maintain myometrial contractility.
Prolonged labor results in myometrial fatigue,
increasing risk of uterine atony.
Note type of delivery and anesthesia, blood loss Excess uterine manipulation, operative delivery,
at delivery, and length of stage III labor. anesthesia, or problems with placental separation
may contribute to blood loss and myometrial fatigue.
The postdelivery client may incur loss of as much as
300–400 ml of blood during a vaginal birth, and twice
that amount in a cesarean birth, with no negative
effects. Blood loss during delivery is quickly replaced
by mobilization of extravascular fluid (physiological
edema), so that total blood volume changes are
minimal unless losses exceed normal fluid shifts.
Palpate location and consistency of the fundus Uterine myometrial activity contributes to
every 15 min (advance per protocol/client’s hemostasis by compressing the endometrial blood
condition), and record findings. vessels. The fundus should be firm and located at the
umbilicus. Displacement may indicate a full bladder,
retained blood clots, or uterine relaxation.
Gently massage fundus if it is soft (boggy). Hold Fundal massage stimulates uterine contractions
or support uterus with one hand just above the and controls bleeding. Overstimulation can cause
symphysis pubis while massaging the fundus uterine relaxation owing to muscle exhaustion.
with the other hand. Use a firm, steady, downward Downward pressure enhances expulsion of clots
pressure on the fundus. Record results of that may have interfered with uterine contractility.
intervention.
Place infant at client’s breast if client has chosen Infant suckling stimulates posterior pituitary
to breastfeed, respecting cultural beliefs. release of oxytocin, which promotes myometrial
contractility. Some clients may choose to postpone
breastfeeding until milk production begins.
Assess for bladder fullness above symphysis pubis. A full bladder displaces the fundus and interferes
Notify physician if distension is noted and client is with uterine contractility.
unable to void. (Refer to CP: The Client at 4 Hours
to 2 Days Postpartum; ND: Urinary
Elimination, altered.)
Assess amount (using a predetermined scale), Helps identify potential lacerations of vagina and
color, and nature of lochial flow every 15 min cervix, which could result in excessive, bright red
(advance per protocol and client’s condition). flow. (Saturation of a perineal pad in a 15-min period
is considered excessive flow and requires prompt
evaluation.) Uterine atony increases lochial flow.
Assess BP and pulse every 15 min. As fluid shifts occur and blood is redistributed into
the venous bed, a moderate drop in the systolic and
diastolic BP and mild tachycardia may be noted.
More marked changes may occur in response to
anesthesia, magnesium sulfate (MgSO 4), or shock, or
may be elevated in response to oxytocin or PIH.
Bradycardia may occur normally in response to
increased cardiac output and increased stroke volume,
and vagal hypersensitivity following delivery.
Sustained tachycardia may accompany shock.
Examine perineum every 15 min per protocol, Excess edema may cause loss of approximation
noting condition of episiotomy/laceration repair, of wound edges. Ecchymosis, excess perineal
excess edema, ecchymosis, or intense edema,signs or symptoms of shock in presence of
internal pressure. well-contracted uterus, and no visible vaginal
blood loss may indicate hematoma formation.
Note: Continuous trickle of blood in presence
of firm fundus may reflect missed lacerations
of the vagina/cervix or unligated vessel in
episiotomy.

Notify physician or healthcare provider if blood Medical intervention may be needed to identify or
loss is excessive and/or vital signs are unstable. treat underlying problems. Although freestanding
Prepare for transfer to acute-care facility if client birth center can provide basic care if problem is
is in a home setting, or free-standing birth center severe, more advanced care may be required.
as indicated.

Collaborative
Review initial Hb and Hct levels. Obtain stat levels Aids in estimating amount of blood loss.
as indicated. (Refer to CP: Postpartal Hemorrhage; Pregnancy-induced hypervolemia acts as a
ND: Tissue Perfusion, altered.) safeguard against hemorrhage. Client with lower-
than-normal Hb (10 mg or less) or Hct (30% or less) is
less able to tolerate blood loss. Usually, as much as
10% of total blood volume can be lost with no
negative effects.

Start/maintain IV infusion of isotonic solution or Increases blood volume and provides open vein
insert saline lock, as indicated. for administration of emergency medication, if
needed.
Administer oxytocin or ergot preparation. Increase Stimulates contractility of myometrium, closing off
rate of IV oxytocin infusion per protocol if uterine exposed blood vessels at former placental site, and
bleeding persists. reduces blood loss.

Obtain platelet count, levels of fibrinogen and Alterations may suggest developing coagulation
fibrin split products, prothrombin time (PT), and disorders.
activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

Replace fluid losses with plasma, packed cells, Replacement of fluid losses may be needed to
or whole blood as indicated. increase circulating volume and prevent shock.

Assist in preparation, as necessary, for further If bleeding does not respond to conservative
treatment such as dilation and curettage (D&C), measures/oxytocin administration, surgery may
laparotomy, evacuation of hematoma, repair of be indicated.
birth canal lacerations, or hysterectomy.

NURSING DIAGNOSIS: PAIN [acute]

May Be Related To: Effects of hormones/medications, mechanical trauma/tissue edema,


physical and psychological exhaustion, anxiety

Possibly Evidenced By: Reports of cramping (afterpains), muscle tremors,


guarding/distraction behaviors, facial mask of pain

DESIRED OUTCOMES/EVALUATION Verbalize reduction of level of discomfort/pain.


CRITERIA—CLIENT WILL: Display relaxed posture and facial expression.

ACTIONS/INTERVENTIONS RATIONALE

Independent
Assess nature and degree of discomfort, Helps identify factors that intensify
type of delivery, nature of intrapartal events, discomfort/pain.
length of labor, and anesthesia or
analgesia administered.
Congratulate the client/couple on birth of Promotes a sense of accomplishment, positive self-
newborn. Provide opportunity for talking esteem, and emotional well-being. Helps relieve
about childbirth experience. tension. Allows client/couple opportunity to work
through and accept intrapartal events.
Provide appropriate information about routine Information may lessen anxiety associated with
care during postpartal period. fear of the unknown, which could intensify
perception of pain.
Inspect episiotomy/laceration repair. Evaluate Trauma and edema increase degree of discomfort
approximation of wound repair; note presence of and may cause stress on suture line. Ice provides
edema or hemorrhoids. Apply ice pack. local anesthesia, promotes vasoconstriction, and reduces edema
formation.
Assess for leg or body tremors or uncontrollable Postdelivery tremors (chills) may be due to sudden
shaking. Place warm blankets on client. release of pressure on pelvic nerves or may possibly
be related to fetus-to-mother transfusion occurring
with placental separation. Warm blankets may
promote muscle relaxation and a feeling of well-
being.
Institute comfort measures (e.g., mouth care, Promotes comfort, feeling of cleanliness, and well-
partial bath; clean, dry linen; periodic perineal care). being. Higher-level psychological needs can be met
only after basic physical needs are satisfied.
Offer clear fluids, as appropriate. Relieves thirst associated with fluid losses in
delivery, side effects of anesthesia, and breathing
through mouth.
Assess for bladder fullness by palpating above Intrapartal bedrest, postdelivery mobilization of
symphysis pubis. Determine time of last voiding; fluids, and IV fluid support may result in diuresis
note prenatal fluid retention. and discomfort associated with a full bladder.
Massage uterus gently as indicated. Note Gentle massage promotes contractility but should
presence of factors that intensify the severity not cause excessive discomfort. Multiparity,
and frequency of afterpains. uterine overdistension, oxytocin stimulation, and
breastfeeding increase degree of afterpains associated
with myometrial contractions.
Encourage use of breathing/relaxation techniques. Enhances sense of control and may reduce severity of
discomfort associated with afterpains (contractions)
and fundal massage.
Position or reposition client as needed. Assess for Sensation and movement of lower extremities may
combined effects of anesthesia. still be affected by subarachnoid or peridural block,
which interferes with client’s ability to assume a
comfortable position.
Provide quiet environment; encourage rest between Labor and delivery are exhausting processes.
assessments. Although client may be “too excited to sleep,” quiet
and rest may prevent undue fatigue.

Collaborative
Administer analgesic as needed. Analgesics act on higher brain centers to reduce
perception of pain, promoting relaxation, facilitating
rest and sense of well-being.

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